Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ashleigh Gerleman. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Ashleigh, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
I’ve been a creative at heart since I was little. Whether it was redecorating my room every year or dressing up as Shania Twain to perform “Man, I Feel Like a Woman,” I was always finding new ways to express myself. One memory that stands out is my 6th birthday party: it was art-themed, and I wore a little artist’s smock while blowing out candles on a cake shaped like a painter’s palette. My love for creativity and storytelling has always been there.
When I went off to college, though, my dad reminded me to “choose a career that pays well” rather than one that would fulfill me. I took that to heart, but in my very first advertising class, I discovered a spark. I went on to pursue a major in advertising, which was highly competitive, and loved the strategy behind it. During that time, I was also constantly drawn to photography—I bought every Polaroid camera I could get my hands on and quickly became the “friend with the best photos.” (Ironically, my mom had always said I’d be a photographer.)
After college, I went to work in ad agencies as an Account Manager. In this role, I was the one keeping everything on track, ensuring projects stayed on budget and on time. I managed the creative team, but I wasn’t the one bringing the creative vision to life. I was always craving “the next thing,” constantly wondering why I felt unfulfilled.
Eventually, my last job became so toxic that it took a toll on my mental and physical health—I was crying at my desk daily, covered in stress-induced cystic acne, and struggling just to get through each day. Around that time, I finally took the plunge and bought my first professional camera, hoping photography might be an outlet. When my work environment became unbearable, I made the difficult decision to leave, even though I didn’t have another job lined up. I figured I’d pick up some freelance photography work until I found a new role. Fast-forward a year, and I haven’t looked back.
Finding my purpose came down to connecting my natural talent for photography with something I’m deeply passionate about. Through my own health challenges, I was drawn into the world of holistic wellness and non-toxic living, which has transformed my life. Now, I focus on helping brands that aim to make a positive impact in these areas—whether it’s a health and wellness spa, a non-toxic food brand, or a sustainable fashion line. I’m passionate about working with brands that are trying to make the world a better place, and I feel my purpose is to amplify their mission through my photography.
This journey taught me that sometimes, finding your purpose means looking at what you’re naturally good at and aligning it with the things that matter most to you. For me, that means using my skills to propel these meaningful brands into the world so I can help them create a positive impact.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Hi there, I’m Ashleigh Gerleman, founder of Ash Gerl Creative, where I provide photography and videography services to brands that are shaping the future. My focus is on helping product- and service-based businesses bring their visions to life through compelling imagery—whether that’s polished photos for a website or vibrant, social media-ready videos for organic and paid media campaigns. I’m particularly excited to work with brands that are driven by a clear mission because I thrive on that same passion. Nothing inspires me more than collaborating with clients who are on fire for what they do.
While my primary focus is brand work, I also love connecting with my local community through personal sessions, including family, maternity, newborn, and personal brand photography. These sessions allow me to work with friends, family, and community members, capturing moments that are meaningful to them. To add a special touch, I often include film photography or instant Polaroid photos as part of these sessions, creating unique, tangible memories that feel timeless and one-of-a-kind.
For Ash Gerl Creative, it’s all about helping brands—and people—make their mark, so if you’re passionate about what you do, I’d love to help you tell your story!
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
1: Be Courageously Unstoppable
One of the most impactful qualities on my journey has been bravery—relentlessly pursuing what makes me happy, even when it doesn’t make sense to others. There will always be people who can’t see your vision, and that’s okay; your path is yours alone. I have a tattoo that says “do it anyway” as a reminder to keep going despite fear, inexperience, or uncertainty. My advice? Take bold steps forward, even if you feel scared or unprepared—that’s how you learn, grow, and discover what you’re truly capable of.
2: Trust Your Passions—They’re There for a Reason
The things you’re passionate about aren’t random; they’re your compass pointing you toward purpose. For me, photography was always a passion, and combining it with my desire to help impactful brands led me to a fulfilling career. I encourage anyone starting out to lean into what makes them come alive and to develop their natural talents. Think about how you can use these gifts to bring value to others—and yes, turn that into a sustainable livelihood. When you’re aligned with your purpose, your work will resonate powerfully with others.
3: Surround Yourself with Dream-Driven People
The people around you have a powerful impact on your mindset. Surround yourself with those who are already living or actively pursuing their dream life, and you’ll start to see what’s possible for you, too. This will help your mind overcome the biggest hurdle: believing that an alternate, extraordinary life is within reach. Find mentors, connect with like-minded creatives, or join communities that inspire and challenge you. This environment will fuel your own journey and keep you reaching higher.
All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?
My biggest challenge right now is scaling my business. October alone brought in 15 shoots, and while I’m incredibly grateful for the demand, I’m realizing the need to set limits to maintain the quality and focus I promise each client. I’m working on a plan to streamline my workload and prioritize balance, allowing me to deliver my best work without risking burnout or letting anything slip through the cracks.
To address this, I’m focusing on two main strategies: raising my prices (even though it feels a bit uncomfortable) and becoming more selective with the projects and clients I take on. This shift allows me to continue producing top-quality work for the clients who truly align with my vision. I’m moving from saying “yes” to everything to having the confidence to say “yes” to the right things.
Additionally, I’ve taken a big step by hiring my first assistant, an investment that will let me focus on the areas where I bring the most value. Outsourcing certain tasks is helping open up my capacity and is a crucial part of this growth phase.
Alongside these strategies, I’m also working on my mindset. Meeting weekly with a therapist has been invaluable, helping me build confidence, strengthen my thought patterns, and stay grounded as I navigate this new chapter. This support has made a tremendous difference, allowing me to fully trust in my value and focus on sustainable growth.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ashgerlcreative.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ash_gerl/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleighgerleman/
Image Credits
Ash Gerl Creative
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